Has LinkedIn pulled out a plug on sending messages to Group Members?

Yesterday I read an article about this rumor... today, it is true for me at least.

I came across few people who are in my groups; however I can not send them a message through regular account. It is asking me to InMail. I do have a LinkedIn Recruiter account as well. I can easily send them a direct message through that account.

I've tried this on several profiles and stands the same. Can anyone verify if it is happening for them as well?

Sarang, you are right that LinkedIn may be and has been shutting down some free services. It's hard to guess what the future holds. For what it's worth, I recently spoke with someone from LinkedIn who said they intend to keep messaging on groups.